The importance of accurate pill identification
The color of a pill alone is not enough to identify it. While it may provide a starting point, it is the combination of color, shape, and unique imprint codes that offers a reliable way to differentiate medications. This is critical for several reasons:
- Safety: Taking an unknown substance can have serious, unpredictable, or even fatal consequences. Some prescription drugs have different formulations (immediate-release versus extended-release) that appear identical but have different dosages or release times.
- Counterfeit Dangers: The illicit drug market often uses pill presses to create fake medications that look identical to legitimate ones, but can contain dangerous substances like fentanyl. For example, counterfeit Xanax (alprazolam) and Valium (diazepam) have been found to contain lethal opioids.
- Medical Accuracy: For those with a current prescription, double-checking that the pills dispensed match the prescribed medication is a vital safety measure. In rare cases, pharmacy errors can occur.
How to use a pill identifier tool
To identify a pill, reliable online resources like Drugs.com provide a database that can be searched by imprint code, shape, and color. For example, typing "green round 93 833" would lead you to clonazepam 1 mg.
Common prescription green pills
Psychiatric and neurological medications
- Clonazepam (Klonopin): One of the most frequently searched green pills is the 1mg clonazepam tablet, manufactured by Teva Pharmaceuticals, which is a round green pill with the imprint "TEVA 833" or "93 833". As a benzodiazepine, it is used to treat panic disorders, anxiety, and seizures.
- Fluoxetine (Prozac): Some 10mg capsules of the antidepressant fluoxetine are green. For instance, a green capsule with the imprint "E 88" is Fluoxetine 10mg.
- Adderall (Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine): Some generic versions of this stimulant for ADHD are round and green. One example is the 10mg tablet with the imprint "MP 443".
- Haloperidol (Haldol): Used to treat psychosis and other conditions, a round green tablet with the imprint "HALDO 5" identifies Haldol 5mg.
Opioid pain relievers
- Oxycodone: Certain dosages of this potent opioid can be green. One well-known example is the 15mg tablet with the imprint "K 8". Another is the 15mg tablet with the imprint "A 214". Both are classified as Schedule 2 controlled substances due to their high potential for abuse.
Other common medications
- Vistaril (Hydroxyzine): An antihistamine with sedative properties, Vistaril 25mg is available as a two-tone green capsule with the imprint "VISTARIL PFIZER 541". It is used to treat anxiety, nausea, and allergic reactions.
- Diazepam (Valium): While most commonly white, yellow, or blue, some generic 5mg diazepam tablets are green, such as those with the imprint "Mylan 477".
- The green pills in The Queen's Gambit: In the popular Netflix series, the tranquilizer given to the orphans, called "xanzolam," is fictional. However, it is likely based on chlordiazepoxide (Librium), an early benzodiazepine patented in 1958 and often distributed in green capsules.
Over-the-counter (OTC) green pills
- Advil Liqui-Gels: A common over-the-counter medication, Advil Liqui-Gels are green, oblong soft-gel capsules containing 200mg of ibuprofen.
- Nighttime Cold & Flu Gels: Some nighttime cold and flu relief products, often containing acetaminophen and dextromethorphan, are sold as green gel caps.
Comparison table: Examples of green pills
| Drug Name | Common Imprint | Drug Class | Primary Use | Controlled Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clonazepam | TEVA 833 or 93 833 | Benzodiazepine | Anxiety, panic disorder, seizures | Schedule 4 |
| Oxycodone | K 8 or A 214 | Opioid | Moderate to severe pain | Schedule 2 |
| Adderall | MP 443 | CNS Stimulant | ADHD, narcolepsy | Schedule 2 |
| Fluoxetine | E 88 | SSRI Antidepressant | Major depression, OCD, panic disorder | Not Controlled |
| Advil Liqui-Gels | Advil | NSAID | Pain reliever, fever reducer | Not Controlled |
| Vistaril | VISTARIL PFIZER 541 | Antihistamine | Anxiety, nausea, allergies | Not Controlled |
| Haloperidol | HALDO 5 | Antipsychotic | Psychosis, mania, agitation | Not Controlled |
What to do if you find an unknown green pill
- Do not take it. Under no circumstances should you consume a pill you cannot positively identify. This is especially true if you find it in an unlabeled container or an unusual place.
- Keep it safe. Store the pill in a secure location, out of reach of children and pets.
- Attempt identification. Use a reliable online pill identifier tool like Drugs.com by searching for its exact imprint code, shape, and color.
- Consult a professional. Take the pill (or a clear picture of it with its imprint code) to a pharmacist or doctor. They have access to comprehensive databases and can provide expert identification.
- Dispose of it properly. If the pill cannot be identified or is determined to be an illicit substance, follow proper medication disposal guidelines. Many pharmacies and local law enforcement agencies offer secure drop-off services for safe drug disposal.
Conclusion
The question "What were the green pills?" has no single, simple answer. From common OTC ibuprofen to potent prescription opioids, a wide variety of medications are green, and some are dangerous counterfeit drugs. Relying on color alone is hazardous and unreliable. Proper and safe identification depends on noting the precise imprint code, shape, and seeking professional verification from a pharmacist or physician. Always exercise caution and prioritize safety over assumptions when dealing with an unidentified pill. For additional information on pill identification and drug safety, consult reputable medical websites such as the National Institutes of Health.
